Laurie Anderson on Letterman, May 8, 1984

Laurie Anderson performs "Walk the Dog" and then chats briefly with Dave in her only Late Night appearance.

[@tescherman3048]

Laurie Anderson is a National Treasure.

[@maevebrennan8799]

International global Universal! ❤️

[@tescherman3048]

@@justicekrista5665 I knew who Laurie Anderson was before I knew who Lou Reed was. And she established her place among the avant-garde over a decade before she even met Reed. She was #2 on the British Charts in 1981. She composed the soundtracks to Spaulding Gray's films "Monster in a Box" and "Swimming to Cambodia" in the mid-80's. And she was a Guggenheim Fellow in 1982 (again, 10 years before she even met Reed), but I guess none of that counts, huh? Oh, and did I mention that she has a Grammy? Forgot about that.

[@tescherman3048]

@@justicekrista5665 According to her Laurie met Lou Reed in person in 1992, although she was well aware of him before that. I just posted my response to you to point out that Laurie Anderson was a visionary on her own, and owed nothing to Reed before her triumphs in the early '80's. I hope I didn't come across as callous or condescending. My apologies if I did. I met Laurie Anderson in 1987 on a flight in coach. She seemed very surprised that any random person would have even recognized her back then.

[@billbackhouse3707]

man she is beautiful

[@justicekrista5665]

Yeah nothing nothing makes you feel like you're banging a man other than women with super short hair..she's ugly

[@jeannefjelstad723]

Laurie autographed and drew a little spaceman on an ocarina I brought to a concert!.I treasure it!

[@robfitzsimmons8003]

LOL for some reason I always thought an ocarina was a brand of vacuum. An ocarina salesman seemed to fit a vacuum.

[@goodgravy3047]

Lucky!

[@markmower6507]

That's Cool! She should come out with a full length album version of It only takes an Expert right now, it would be a guaranteed Grammy! Hahahahahahahaha! !!

[@adfggffffffddffd]

Damn, I'm jealous!

[@AzimuthTao]

Dave was completely not understanding the complexity of Laurie's art here but she was gracious and walked him through it.

[@johnheath970]

My guess is he was busy not dumb

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

because it was all just stupid

[@MrTitaniumDioxide]

@@jan-martinulvag1953 You should realize there was no need to expose your ignorance and lack of imagination like that. Anderson is one of the cleverest, insightful and adventurous lyricists of our age. And Dave, while no dummy, could and can still often be a butthead.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

@@MrTitaniumDioxide who are you describing? Me?

[@lillynietz17]

@@jan-martinulvag1953 Uhhh...Yeah...apparently the dig was about You....notice the Doors song leading into the break....Go!

[@jamesafenton]

I love that Dave had on many artists of non-commercial "avant" or complex ideas like LA, Beefheart, Zappa & Tom Waits almost as regulars for awhile, a nod to NYC, true art & beauty

[@bobkosturko812]

She was really cute when she was young. And such a wicked sense of humor

[@beekay5914]

She is so far ahead of us, so beyond us, we will never catch up. Brilliant artist.

[@rree9550]

she was at the right time and spot

[@duckbrew]

I mean...

[@justicekrista5665]

Who would want to catch up with her? Brilliant artist? Have you lived in a cave and haven't heard any real brilliant artists cuz this broad is very very far from it if she wasn't married to Lou Reed and riding on his name people would laugh her off the stage if not throw Rotten Tomatoes

[@justicekrista5665]

@@rree9550 yeah she married Lou Reed that's the only reason anyone listens to her I would have liked to seeing how far she got with that nonsense if she weren't riding on Lou Reed's name

[@rree9550]

@@justicekrista5665 au contraire. she was there long before lou and still is after him. laurie has the long view. lou was just this "cool" kid bowie built.

[@Aramanth]

Laurie mentioned this performance in her book *Stories from the Nerve Bible* and said she was never asked back again... until 2010 that is! *Right there on stage is greatness, and no one noticed!*

[@foxandscout]

@@justicekrista5665 you are so unaware it’s embarrassing. Better to remain silent and be taken for a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. You have removed all doubt. And Laurie has had an acclaimed and successful career. Just because you don’t understand something, don’t project it on others. And don’t be so eager to show your ignorance The entire album this song is on is fantastic.

[@Mark-zu6oz]

You can tell Laurie is having fun messing with Dave.

[@RobertoTifi]

I just love her SO MUCH! gifted, talented, beautiful mind...

[@robinreiley1828]

I worked as the Flyman and Rigger on the Technical Rehearsals for her "Nerve Bible" and "Moby Dick" Tours. I looked forward to every 16 to 20 hr work day!

[@williamthazard]

I never realized this was played on a violin! I’d never seen a performance, just heard the recording. That makes so much sense. Thanks for this

[@Quad8track]

I was 10 years old seeing this in early 1984. Blew me away! I've been a fan since.

[@hullygullys]

same! same age

[@Umbrella2]

Love this song, she’s an amazing artist.

[@Alpine_Joe]

I love this ... and isn't she beautiful too ?

[@parsnipmcgee329]

A babe.

[@robfitzsimmons8003]

Gorgeous!

[@sevenseasonsofbrown]

Yeah!

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

Me too... yeah

[@petergala2147]

With wonderful dimples in her chicks.

[@MrRaErickson]

Rachel McAdams could play her in a movie

[@bradster67]

I have not seen this until now...but I've heard about this performance. Dave just didn't know what to say to her or really how to take her...although she really didn't give him a lot to go on. I've been a huge fan of Laurie Anderson ever since I saw the video to 'O Superman' when it was released in 1981. The song and video have been permanently embedded in my memory and will not ever go away. One of my all time favorite songs. Thank you for posting.

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

Yeah. But she was all there and was as actual as she is now. Who can blame him for just being himself, one of the tv people.

[@katherenewedic8076]

Tv show - not tv presence

[@hansschmidt3561]

Kindness all around, why not.

[@oo88oo]

I think her IQ is off the charts

[@oa9002]

I'm really relieved to see that Paul Shaffer and the band didn't insist on joining in on this one.

[@0therun1t21]

The baby voice startled me, lol, so glad she was on Letterman. This is so darn cute!

[@robfitzsimmons8003]

A complete original. I saw her live in 83, 90, and 95. Great voice and so off the wall.

[@travismiller5548]

Caught an exhibit of her sculpture, unexpectedly, on the other side of the planet from where I'm normally at... What a treat

[@albertoracajmorato3506]

In addition, the best thing about this artist is that she does not need drugs or alcohol to be more creative. She is like that.

[@waypointman]

Then she ended up with Lou Reed... go figure!?

[@thehimer3903]

However saw that than and bought the album Mr. Heartbreak would be very surprised about what was actually on that record. One of the greatest art-pop-avantgarde albums of all time!! With outstanding musicians....

[@wesleyrodgers886]

Kokoku

[@pielover89]

Wore the grooves off that album!

[@spacerockwizard]

Mr. Heartbreak is a fine record indeed with some heavy hitters on it - Adrian Belew, Bill Laswell, David Van Tieghem, Peter Gabriel, not to mention William Burroughs.

[@paulmiles9102]

legend love this lady and her amazing music o superman a cult classic and this track i can remember being on the other side of the single.

[@Tacoman1967]

She has a way of getting people into a sort of trance. It's a very different type of art. It's sort of an escape into a dreaminess. Art doesn't exist if no one experiences it.

[@DmRofAtoZ]

what's uncanny is a little sideways Google rabbit hole let me to Laurie Anderson and I wanted to hear Walk The Dog... The full studio version. then KZbin serves up Laurie on Letterman and this was her choice !!?!! wonderful stripped-down rearrangement, but ya' kinda still want the drums & that sax riff to come in near the end.

[@brionity]

Thank you for posting this. A forever fan. I have seen her live more than any other artist.

[@michaelnolan6054]

That's NASA's artist in residence. I can't think of anyone better.

[@rickmarvin5510]

I bought the 5 lp set when it came out...still have it.

[@johndalton3180]

Strikingly beautiful the way she said "interesting, huh?" Such intelligent eyes.

[@dirkmarais6952]

Beautiful

[@andrewaronson3364]

I love talk show host discomfort when interviewing someone from the margins. Conan o brian interviewing Allen Ginsburg is a personal favorite

[@jimspeer3638]

Yes, it's almost a whole niche genre in itself. Host treats margin artist as if she's either insane, from another planet, or can barely understand English.

[@joechill1]

Well Dave’s no idiot. Do you think that it was magic that brought Captain Beefheart, David Byrne, Brother Theodore and Laurie Anderson to his stage?

[@mur-dog560]

Most likely it was Paul Shafer(sp?)

[@andrewaronson3364]

@@joechill1 agreed. he had lou reed on a bunch too (though i wish it had been at least once as a guest) one of my all time favorite videos is the band future islands doing their first ever televised performance on his show, which was absolutely legendary and dave was over the moon and talked about em for months afterward

[@jamesdevlin2059]

What a beautiful human

[@AHC63]

I remember watching this and thinking who IS this person? A love affair was born...

[@62426637]

Saw Laurie at the ICA in London in '90. I can hear Hiram Bullock's guitar there too.

[@Babaziba]

I loved this, but she was also on Letterman in 2010, performing the track "Only An Expert".

[@dongiller]

July 14. She was also on nine years earlier, on October 30, 2001, performing "Life on a String."

[@IanMcCausland]

b Side on the O superman 12 inch, I still have it.

[@davegann4178]

I owned this song on 12" EP. I don't remember it being on the album Mr. Heartbreak. She might have chosen a catchier tune to promote the album--if that is what she wanted to do.

[@geraldfrank1630]

Unique Artist & kudos to Dave for unleashing her to America! 👌👏👌👏👏

[@kamuelalee]

A great artist!

[@clemdane]

I was at that show at the Beacon Theatre!

[@maxshea1829]

Like no other. It was something really avant garde and out there, but you could play it on Sesame Street!

[@wesleycollins726]

Love me two times..

[@BugzKiller]

Love her dimples

[@mikewebsdale4777]

Yeah she worked a long time developing those at the behest of her agent.

[@king_chicken36]

I don't know how to feel about the audience laughing and Laurie still being so confident, even though I find Walk The Dog to be a bit of a parody of herself. I'd like to think there's a meaning to it aside from that, but this being the most absurd of all the tracks from her I've heard (not just lyrically but also in terms of vocals and composition) it make me think she just doesn't care about being on late-night TV. I think that she's just taking the piss out of the audience and David knowing that if she played a more meaningful track they would still be just as confused. (jesus christ this is worded so poorly)

[@Feroal2]

She probably liked the laughter. Not that they necessarily got the message.

[@haroldhoot]

I can’t stop laughing everytime I watch this! It is great, and it is darkly hilarious.

[@ShawnQuinlan]

Similar feeling when Nina Hagen was on David Letterman. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3aqpIeLjp2Mh9E

[@Preliminimal]

my favorite track by Laurie

[@AriaMohtadiHaghighi]

Jean Michel Jarre's Zoolook brought me here

[@timmyteaching]

Behold what made Letterman a legend in the day. He'd bring this on, brother theodore, terri garr taking a shower, richard simmons. He gave not a single fuck whatsoever, and it was glorious.

[@GaryCrossey]

I think it's interesting that Laurie Anderson performed a song from her prior album (Big Science) and not a track from Mister Heartbreak. Perhaps she knew how the message would be current 37+ years later. Timeless talent.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

'Walk the Dog' is not from the original vinyl of 'Big Science' It is the B Side to 'O Superman' but did not appear on the Album.

[@GaryCrossey]

@@Mirrorgirl492 Even more impressive

[@byronp2311]

If Dave is a bit confused (and he is) imagine what the audience was thinking. I adore Laurie, but she's an acquired taste. Lou Reed married her.

[@markfrank7207]

Laurie really makes Dave seem like he doesn't belong in New York lol and she does it with a charming smile and and enticing voice

[@petermoore7796]

i love her warmth and kindness while hearing letterman hopelessly try to make sense of her song

[@markmower6507]

This is from united states live pts 1. Through 4. 4. Hours of esoteric music.

[@far-away-so-close4540]

United States Live was the tour she did where she performed her first three albums all together, plus other material. Well over four hours. I was fifteen, in 1984, when I went to that concert, talking a friend with a car into going with me. I was already a fan of her music, but was completely blown away by the show, with the multiple screens with recorded images animation and primitive computer graphics, choreography, self-invented instruments (Magnetic tape bow and violin, playing "Listen to my Heart Beat"), spoken and recorded word -- so Dry, philosophical, poetic, enigmatic and funny. My friend didn't know what to think. lol

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

@@far-away-so-close4540 I wonder if that performance is available somewhere...

[@-davidolivares]

I have my United States albums still. Musta had some cash burning a hole in my pocket. Glad I did.

[@sevenseasonsofbrown]

She could just use a mandolin as it has the same strings... But this is Laurie Anderson we're talking about

[@PolyQuasi]

violin is her instrument and she's plays it more conventionally elsewhere

[@radisasimic6433]

❤

[@patthewoodboy]

swap chairs , Laurie asks the questions ..."whats the song about" .. he answers , if he can 🙂

[@prokesuk]

Regarding those not in the mainstream appearing on Letterman; Eugene Chadbourne has mentioned that Dave Thomas of Pere Ubu was asking people for money to travel to New York to appear on the show. It's not pay to play, but they don't help you to get there.

[@mbergeron1487]

I remember this when it aired and was so embarrassed for David when he asked her if there were any dog noises in the performance.

[@grimlock1211]

She sux

[@bufboston1]

So this song probably is intended to provoke some of the afore mentioned questions, and art that operates thus is IMHO sometimes interesting, and I actually think that such an intellectual scaffold can be sufficient to the creation of a work that is "good", if it is indeed good (again, in my opinion). This is also, I think, just a good song, featuring some fine pizzicato and strummed fiddle work (she is I think a remarkable violinist). Her concerts are both aurally and visually extraordinary. One may think this song, her work, her approach unsatisfactory; your loss, IMO. And as for any and all contemporary art = a bucket of shit, I have found that whenever I've written off a whole category of something, I've usually missed out on some very good shit indeed. Feel free, however, to miss out all you want; I'd rather not.

[@christianhankel6351]

I love that Letterman, known for so often being a step ahead and a level above his guests, is completely unable to grasp Anderson.

[@mcs7625]

I can see how Lou and her were a match. Two people way ahead of their time, and way ahead of the way people are ready to be thinking.

[@radiofriendly]

Wow

[@jocksilver7]

She could donate Intelligence in copious amounts and still remain one of the brightest humans on the planet. I was expecting a bit more from ''masterful speaker'' Letterman, but then i saw ''7.18'' on the time counter. But I have to reckon that after such an in-genius song, one may as well fall short of words...

[@raylambert3425]

She sure knows how to tell em

[@ib03y7]

Listen to the lyrics, real trip

[@gabe_s_videos]

I feel like this is where Freakazoid got the "What if all of the air turned into wood?" joke.

[@justinbennett9998]

Wow I wonder it's like to be that high? How did I just now find Laurie.

[@foxbasealpha5171]

Bet she wasn't even high.

[@tituslafrombois1164]

She wasn't high. Look at her expressions. She is fully aware of what she is doing and loving every second of it. She was fucking around with every single person in that studio.

[@smoothblink]

She was pretty square when it came to vices. I'm pretty sure she mentioned that she tried a few things and it wasn't for her. She smoked, that's about it. She does have a certain intense energy while performing though, so it's a common assumption.

[@jimbecarroll5780]

Your mode of interpretation has to be sharpened. Or you have to get out more with interesting people who have various ways of thinking so you can develop it more . If an artist who is Not mainstream or predictable, then those who are only use to a that type of person will have limited and knee-jerk reaction to them, to the Way they express themselves. They might be more complex and also subtle where it might not reach you.

[@justinbennett9998]

@@jimbecarroll5780 in what world did I invite you to insult me?

[@cristiancrestale8825]

Simply....a genious....

[@Gr8Layks]

I think you meant “genius,” you genius.

[@raffaelevalente7811]

I love her dimples and her hair style

[@justicekrista5665]

If you love her hairstyle go get all your hair chopped off so you can look like a man also. See how many boyfriends you get then

[@donottrydo46]

i heard that Dave was annoyed with her because it was agreed that she would perform O Superman. And that this wasn't aired. But it seems it was aired? maybe not replayed.

[@hullygullys]

it was definitely aired. i remember seeing it in 1984. it was my first exposure to her music.

[@willfomes406]

Me: Hey there Turret. How was your day? The Turret:

[@caveatemp]

Knowing a little more of her life from the film Heart of a Dog, this song is makes more sense. Not as famous as Dolly but still found time to walk the dog, and let him play piano.

[@mobiustrip1400]

David Bowie's sister!!!!!

[@cheeseandonions9558]

Back when everyone was hip and beautiful.

[@alicat7281]

Interesting and pretty, the song. I like it!

[@emerald_floyd9065]

He should have had her on his show more, and if he did pls upload it. 😭🙏😭

[@robertmotyka133]

In 2023 we talk about animal rights and treating animals as living persons, not things, in 1984 she sang songs from the perspective of a dog.

[@MuzikJunky]

She absolutely has one of the most WICKED senses of humor! Peace.

[@h92o]

I think ... as parties go, this party is better than like walking the dog because these days there is the pooper scooper law., can I mention that I want to be Laurie's dog. bark bark.

[@ClarenceFisher]

5:23 - Doesn't she look like Jodie Foster?

[@mfpendle]

God, she is so cool. She and Tom Waits have a lot in common.

[@giantsean]

Who knew that Laurie Anderson created Mr. Woodchuck?

[@missyb1020]

Yep! Theres a lid for every pot lol

[@jmich328]

I find this strange, confusing, and deeply satisfying.

[@awambengeu2525]

Laurie anderson je suis aux senegal objectif photographie de presse, de Nantes à bientôt sur les combats de la femme awaphotos

[@lotteweill]

Lovely performance by Anderson.

[@dildoit]

Lucky Lou!

[@benevans4500]

God she’s cute

[@tzazella751]

do you have any grapes?

[@blairleblancstudio]

Sonic Youth wishes

[@TheSamLowry]

I stopped watching Letterman a couple years later because of Laurie Anderson. Commercials all through primetime announced that she would be on the show, so I stayed up through the news, through Carson, then all the way through Larry "Bud" Melman and Stupid Pet Tricks only for him to say at the end that they didn't have enough time for her. That was it, I was done. And my dislike for his show's "humor" turned to hate. What bothered me the most, though, was his show was recorded before the first commercials even started airing, so they should have/must have known she wouldn't actually be appearing, but decided to promote her appearance, anyway.

[@dongiller]

Explain why Dave should be held responsible for NBC’s promotion screwup? Also, there were no Stupid Per Tricks the night she was bumped, August 19, 1986.

[@user-qt9vn1yj8x]

The only one act near this level of perfection was Mila Yovovich song There ain't no God for Dogs...

[@richardmarkszpigiel684]

omg, loved that. I love Dave but he used to be rather square. (He has become cooler and more embracing of the 'weird' as he has gotten older.) Wonderful Laurie is the geek/genius from another planet and Dave is just trying to be respectful and engaging but I think he really has no idea what is going on here.

[@grimlock1211]

She sux. Dave rules

[@rafaelwillems3244]

Nothing wrong with that interview. What r people muttering here. Xept there was still nog no dogwalker found when it stops. >(

[@kiadel7502]

Laurie is a superior being.

[@davidboyce8683]

America's John Cooper Clarke?.

[@brittly14]

Can someone please explain this song to me. Is it meant to be about mundane things? Is it a joke? I love it but can’t understand it and want to.

[@CTScenic]

not sure what she intended but what hit me was when she was talking about Dolly, she was pointing out how the songs are from a characters perspective. Shes not gonna go back home shes fabulous dolly parton. So Id say it was a comment on art and artifice.

[@Bikewithlove]

Laurie’s hot here. She’s scary attractive. She’s the rare kind of female at the party that I’d have to talk to. Hold my drink…

[@peterfuzz3887]

fine ironical answers to futile questions

[@willfomes406]

This is kinda funny. But also a little weird.

[@davidames1746]

She did NOT cross over into pop music successfully; should have stayed in her zone. Performance Art. More effective.